Just when Ricki Herbert needed all his Phoenix players fit, he's left contemplating seven key men out of action next weekend.
Herbert, along with Tim Brown, Jeremy Christie, Mark Paston, Shane Smeltz and Tony Lochhead, go into All Whites camp on Tuesday and will miss next Sunday's matchin Newcastle against the Jets.
The Phoenix may also be without Brazilian midfielder Felipe, who was forced from the field late in the first half of Friday night's disappointing 2-1 defeat to Queensland with a hamstring injury. Centre back Steve O'Dor was replaced at halftime because of a suspected broken nose.
"It's bad timing but we have known all along about the international game and it's something we just can't help," Herbert said. "Sydney lost five players to international duty last month so it's no different."
Felipe is the biggest loss. He's widely viewed as the best of the 13 Brazilians in the A-League after Sydney's World Cup winner Juninho.
Although the extent of Felipe's injury won't be known until Monday, Herbert expects he could be out for two weeks.
O'Dor's injury will also be assessed tomorrow.
Softening the blow somewhat will be the return from suspension of Brazilian playmaker Daniel and the probable availability of new marquee signing Ahmad Elrich.
The Phoenix produced one of their worst performances of the season against Queensland. They went behind early - not for the first time this season - and failed to trouble the home side before Smeltz scored a late consolation.
It means they will sit either fifth or sixth after today's matches, which also mark the end of the first of three rounds.
"We've picked up seven points out of the past 12 and if we can keep that going, we will be there or thereabouts [for the playoffs]," Herbert said.
